The Preservation Foundation

Pan’s Garden History

Established in 1994 by The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, Pan’s Garden takes its name from the bronze statue of Pan of Rohallion that graces the garden’s entrance pool. Designed by Frederick MacMonnies in 1890, the statue depicts Pan – the ancient god of shepherds who protects and guards the flocks – in idealized human form playing his enchanted pipe of reeds. It is a fitting name and symbol for a garden that serves to protect and showcase Florida’s indigenous plants.

The one-half acre garden sits on site that was previously a parking lot and a derelict home. Today, instead of asphalt, the garden features over 300 species of native trees, shrubs, grasses and wild flowers, many of which are endangered. These are incorporated into upland and wetland areas designed to display their naturally occurring relationships to one another. Each year cultivars of native species are planted in seasonal floral display areas to highlight possible choices for home landscaping.

A significant feature of Pan’s Garden is the Casa Apava wall. The historic tile wall, which dates to the 1920s, was rescued from the Casa Apava estate on South Ocean Boulevard and forms a dramatic backdrop for the western boundary of the garden.